Search for the Shadow Key

Dreamtreaders #2

by Wayne Thomas Batson

The Nightmare Lord has been thrown down, but his throne is no longer empty. Rigby Thames has taken up the evil mantle with Kara Windchil as his queen. Now the only living dreamtreader, Archer Keaton finds himself on the outside of two worlds looking in. Dream Walking Inc. is taking the world by storm, allowing Rigby to build an unstoppable empire. Worse still, Rigby has unleashed the Tendrils, shadow people who can cross over into the waking world. As Archer s family and friends begin to disappear, unexpected help comes in the form of the Wind Maiden, a mysterious angelic being who seems to know how Archer can rescue his loved ones and defeat the new Nightmare King. But the cost may prove too dear for Archer to pay.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian, Fiction, Christian Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult, Christian Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Wayne Thomas Batson was born in Seabrook, MD in 1968. He had an adventurous childhood and adolescence that included: building forts in the woods, crabbing and crayfishing in bays, ponds, and bayous, playing lead guitar in a heavy metal band, and teaching tennis lessons at the local recreation center. He attended Gabriel DuVal Senior High School where he wrote for the school’s newspaper and literary magazine. He was voted “Most Talented” in his senior year, and wrote this for his Yearbook Senior Goal: “To become a published author.” Little did he know that God had even greater plans.

Wayne Thomas Batson has spent the last thirty years teaching Reading and English to Maryland middle school students. Wayne Thomas Batson lives in Eldersburg with his extraordinary wife of 26 years. His four adult children intermittently live at home whenever their unexpected adventures lead them.

Batson’s writing career began in 2005 with the publication of fantasy epic, The Door Within. Since then, The Door Within, The Final Storm, Isle of Swords, and Isle of Fire have all appeared on the CBA Young Adult Bestseller List, including #2 for The Final Storm Fall 2007. To date, Batson has penned or coauthored seventeen novels and has sold well over half a million copies.

Wayne Thomas Batson gives thanks to God for the abundant life he’s been given. He continues to write for the people he cares so deeply about because he believes that, on a deep level, we all long for another world and yearn to do something important.

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Dreamtreaders, the first book in this series, I was concerned that I wasn't going to like Search for the Shadow Key for several reasons, mainly for lack of themes and semi-flat characters. However, it turned out to be much better than I had expected.

Plot
Overall, I think the plot in this book was smooth and clear. It wasn't too confusing or too simple. There were a few plot twists near the end that surprised me, and although some could consider them 'convenient', they didn't bother me as I was reading. Also, I do feel like this was a much more 'plot-driven' book, per say, as the characters in this one had mainly one goal: to find the Shadow Key. In Dreamtreaders the whole world had to be introduced and explained and developed, making the book a bit slower than Search for the Shadow Key in terms of plot.

Themes
My favorite part of Search for the Shadow Key is the themes. In the first book, I could tell that Mr. Batson was trying to incorporate several themes, but I felt like there was a slight disconnect and they didn't flow through the story. However, in this book, the themes come through so well! I love how through the chaos in this book, Mr. Batson was able to bring in themes of brokenness being healed, love, and decisions and their realistic consequences. However, my favorite theme was the anchors in the book. Every Dreamtreader has his own anchor, which is what connects him to the Waking (real) World. Very subtly, the author introduces this idea of how anchors aren't just for Dreamtreaders; rather, we all have our anchors. For example, some people's 'anchor' is to this world, such as family, money, true love, revenge, etc. These are the things that people use to hold onto life. I love how Mr. Watson has introduced this concept of anchors in a beautiful way, and yet uses it to subtly point to Jesus as the true 'anchor'. Altogether, the themes in this book came across wonderfully and beautifully, and I fully enjoyed them.

Characters
Characters are not the strong point in this book. I had some qualms with Buster's stereotypical 'California' speech and another character's stereotypical 'Australian' speech. I get that the some people actually do talk like that, but it just bothered me. It took away from the characters themselves, I think, by using that stereotype as a personality itself, instead of using it to add to the character's personality. However, since Buster is a side character and not in the book much, I was able to ignore it; the other character, though, was a semi-prominent character, so it grated on me a little more in that regard.
Another problem I had with the characters was Kaylie's brilliance. It's really, really hard for me to read children characters with way too much maturity because it's just not natural. However, Kaylie's personality played a big part in this book, so I was able to let it go, but advanced children characters are not my favorite thing to read and hardly ever done well. Kaylie was a mixed case: sometimes I applauded Mr. Batson's characterization of her, and other times, I grimaced. It was a delicate relationship.
Aside from these two qualms, the other characters were mostly well done. Archer himself is a little average sometimes, but I warmed up to him in this book, especially with his (granted, not too big) character development. I also grew to really like Amy in this book, although she doesn't play a very big role in the first. Mr. Batson really has a way with dialogue, and aside from the stereotypes already mentioned, the dialogue was great and made me laugh a few times.

Romance
There is practically no romance in this book, as the main characters are mostly 14/15. (I will say that some minor crushes may be interpreted, but as the characters are so young, that's it.)

Language
No language in this book.

Overview
Overall, I think that Search for the Shadow Key was significantly better than it's predecessor. The wariness I felt after reading Dreamtreaders was successfully quelled by Search for the Shadow Key.

Even though this is not Mr. Batson's finest work, in my opinion, it is worth reading, at least for the clear, beautiful themes he includes.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so in love with this series! The dreamscape is incredibly imaginative. There's always something new to discover beyond what we've already seen in the first book. The plot keeps me guessing the entire time, and the action just never stops. I love every single character, both the old characters from the first book and the new characters that are introduced. This second book is just as good as the first book in the series, which doesn't happen often with series.


I was so inspired by Archer's courage and faith. There is a scene where he is encouraging his little brother, and he shows so much strength of character and compassion. I really fell in love with him right there. Archer still has a lot to learn and a lot of growth in this book though. He is not a static character at all!

I love seeing the development for all these characters. Kaylie is growing into quite a formidable little person. Even the villains are changing and developing in this book in unexpected ways.

There is a forcefulness in the writing and an immediacy to the pacing that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I am dying to read the rest of these books!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher or author for review. The opinions stated here are my own, and are not influenced by the publisher or anyone else.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Continue on a journey into the world of dreams in book two of the Dreamtreaders series, Search for the Shadow Key. This delightful read continues the story of Dreamtreader Archer Keaton and his sister Kaylie, as well as several more fun characters. The plot twists and turns will keep readers on edge as they anticipate the next events to take place in the story. Author Wayne Thomas Bates has written a captivating sequel to book one that will keep teens entranced for hours leading them to want to continue this brilliant series in book three. I would recommend this novel to teens that enjoy a good fantasy novel with unexpected twists and turns.

Series: Dreamtreaders
Genre: fiction; fantasy; Christian; young adult
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Publication date: December 9, 2014
Number of pages: 336

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars

Other books in the series:
1-Dreamtreaders
3-War of the Waking World

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting second edition to the Dreamtreaders trilogy. The character development really comes around, and the plot twists aren't disappointing. I can't wait to see how the last book concludes.

[Sarah TheAromaofBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Good story, intriguing concept, builds on first book well - rather abrupt ending that definitely goes straight into the third book rather than concluding on its own.

Also, while I'm not a fan of swearing in books, I am definitely not convinced that "snot rockets" is an improvement over a nice, old-fashioned "damn." Or even darn. Or rats. Or gee whilikers. Basically anything other than snot rockets would have been fabulous. It brought the maturity level vibe of this book wayyyy down.

Full review on whole trilogy (no spoilers) on my blog - https://thearomaofbooks.wordpress.com...

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
WOW. This was an amazing book. I liked it so much better than the first one, and here's to hoping the third one is the best one.
All the action scenes in this book were so much better. And man, that plot twist at the end. I wasn't expecting that at all. I loved this book so much more than the first one.

[Jacob Orlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did just casually listened to this on Hoopla, I got INVESTED at toward the end of the book! Batson makes his characters experience serious consequences of good and bad characters actions (some resolve, but not all) and I find that to be a great thing for the middle grade intended audience.

This is the second time he has made me want to read the 3rd book and so I can’t wait to start it!

[Jessica Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a talented story weaver

WTB is completely filling up my summer. How balanced is his tension and release. He throws you up in the sky then lets you plummet breathlessly only to be surprised again

[Georgann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first one, on to the next. I liked our characters better, especially Kaylie, the 8YO heroine.

[Lori Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This left me on such a cliffhanger but in a good way. Can’t wait to read the last one.

[Kandi J Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey continues. Can you figure out who's who?

[Hallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books certainly keep you guessing the whole time.

[Crystal]

Could not finish, just couldn't get into the story.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice but dark

[Lorraine Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Search For The Shadow Key, 2nd in Wayne Thomas Batson's Dreamtreaders series, is a fast and thrilling ride through the two separate worlds of the Waking and the Dream. The hero of the story is Archer Keaton, a Dreamtreader, one who has been "called on [a] journey to fulfill the creeds and turn aside darkness so that mankind may have hope and truth". He can spend up to 11 hours in the Dream where he has amazing abilities: to fly, conjure, cruise Intrusion waves on his Dream matter surfboard, and mend breaches in the Dream fabric. It is serious business, though. There are many dangers in the Dream, and too many breaches will cause a rift -- the two worlds will begin to merge through the rift and chaos will reign. The main threat to the Dream fabric is Rigby, nephew of the former Lurker, who has learned to be a Lucid Walker and has created a money-making venture from allowing bored, wealthy people the opportunity to Lucid Walk. All the increased traffic in the Dream is making it next to impossible for Archer to mend all the breaches on his own. How can he stop Rigby, and how can he prevent what seems to be an inevitable rift?

Dream_TreadersThis is an adventure story, first and foremost, but it is also wrought with classic symbolism of good vs evil, light vs darkness, temptation, good intentions, and redemption through faith. There are many interesting characters who will be familiar to readers of the first book in this trilogy, Dream Treaders -- Dream by Day, Live by Night. There are nine laws the Dreamtreaders follow, the first of which is that they must have an anchor, and it must have personal meaning for them. Archer's anchor is the wishing well in his backyard because it had been a special place for his mother who died of cancer 8 years earlier. His master is called Gabriel who is unable to interfere in the Dreamtreaders activities in either world; Archer is able to call on him for advice and strategy through the use of a 'summoning feather' tucked in the back of his Dreamtreader's Creed. Master Gabriel is large and reassuring. It is part of his job to choose the Dreamtreaders -- 3 from each generation. At Archer's urging, the master has chosen two more Dreamtreaders to assist Archer -- one from Australia, and the other, Archer's 8-year-old sister Kaylie, a genius who quickly outstrips the others in her Dream world abilities. Archer's friend Amy is a calming influence on his impulsivity, and has guessed some of what he does. In league with Rigby, is Kara, a former friend of Archer's who is somewhat mesmerized by Rigby's business acumen and the fun of lucid walking.

There are many fanciful figures in the Dream World, some of whom are allies (like Raz, the tiny squirrell-like, flying powerhouse capable of conjuring and protecting Archer as needed), and some of whom are extremely dangerous (like the howling hounds who can be called by the Lurker), and when some of them begin to cross from the Dream to the Waking World to take people Archer cares about, his job becomes even more scary and difficult. First, one of his teachers is taken by the Scath (dark, cold, wispy characters unleased by Rigby to do his evil will), then his brother buster has a nightmare which causes him to "surf" down the stairs and end up in hospital with a concussion. When his father is kidnapped, Archer, Buster and Kaylee end up staying at Amy's house. The final straw is when Kaylie is prevented from returning to the Wake World by the Lurker, who is also trapped in Dream. Archer is torn between protecting everyone from the evil that is now crossing between worlds, and working to rescue Kaylie and their father. Can he make the difficult choices and not give in to temptation?

The Christian slant in this book is mostly symbolic, but the Keaton family does have a strong faith in a loving God,and the power of prayer, which they call on when times get tough. They encourage and love each other, and have a strong sense of duty. The Dreamtreaders are cautioned against reading the 'Masters' Bindings' because the knowledge will be too much for them and turn them into monsters; rather like Adam and Eve in the garden. The evil merchant with the gleaming cheshire smile, Bezeal, always offers help but always exacts a price in return.

I liked the way the Dream is organized into 3 triangular areas, 1 for each of the Dreamtreaders, and the way the 9 laws are laid out at the beginning of the story. Readers are introduced to sections of the Dreamtreaders' Creed periodically throughout the book -- Conceptus 6 through 10 -- so I'm assuming that the first 5 were included in the first volume of the series. The story never lets up; there is always suspense and danger (and, mostly, rescue) around the corner. If this were made into a movie, the special effects could be quite spectacular. I would suggest this book for grade 5 or 6 and up; even adults will enjoy this great romp through spectacular landscapes; or, should I say dreamscapes.

[Kendra Massengill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. So good! Don’t read late at night.

[Gabriellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AGHH! SOOO amazing!

[Brenten Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long wanted to dig into a Wayne Thomas Batson series. Or even a single book. And this is one of those cases when it was worth the wait. (And it will probably encourage me to continue reading through Batson’s older catalogue while anticipating any future releases). This trilogy takes us on an imaginative journey into the world of our dreams. Actual dreams, not like, if I could dream up a world, it would look like this... although, I guess there is a lot of crossover between the two concepts. Anyway, let’s continue (I've already reviewed DREAMTREADERS).

Book two continues the saga as the characters have taken on new roles and pose new challenges. I’ll try not to spoil anything, but it serves the traditional function expected from the second book of a trilogy. (Book 1 - introduce the characters, set a background for the action to come. Book 2 - everything falls apart, building off the climax of book 1. Typically, book 2 ends with a lot of loose strings and questions. Book 3 - resolution, sometimes for good, sometimes for bad, sometimes just changed.)That explained, something huge happened at the end of Dreamtreaders (book one) and The Shadow Key finds our characters facing an increasingly unstable situation, facing challenges they never, um, dreamed of.

For Archer, the struggle is exponentially more difficult, because he walks between two worlds - the waking and the dream. On top of that, he’s dealing with normal 14-year-old guy stuff like understanding and controlling emotions, such as jealousy, anger, sadness, and attraction to girls (implied more than directly stated). Again, the characters are well developed and easy to relate to, the writing is compelling, the action is realistic in context, and the pages keep turning themselves.

I will say at this point, there were at least two major “reveals” in this book - one linked back to book one - and neither were particularly surprising to me. I haven’t decided whether that’s a good or bad thing just yet, but I tend to enjoy surprises more than predictable outcomes. Perhaps the final entry in the series will tie things up with a nice twisted bow, but I’ll have to wait and see. Which reminds me, I need to get reading THE WAR FOR THE WAKING WORLD already. (Had a slight mix-up with the mail, but hopefully we can get that squared away soon).

-from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (1/6/16)

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Search for the Shadow Key
Dreamtreaders Book 2
By Wayne Thomas Batson

Some doors should never be opened...

As the only surviving Dreamtreader Archer Keaton is losing the nightly battle to seal all the breaches in the Dream Fabric. And if Archer can't stop the breaches the Dream Realm and the Waking World will merge and reality will be lost to the dream.

But Dreamtreaders can't be found easily and they need training but time is a luxury Archer doesn't have and neither do we. Master Gabriel has promised Archer that help is coming, but Rigby and Kara aren't about to close the doors of Dream Inc. After all they don't believe that Lucid Walkers will cause the damage that Archer is warning them about.

But Rigby has opened a door that he never should have. And in opening this door Rigby has unleashed a force that can cross from the Dream to the Waking World. And Rigby is determinrd to use them to destroy Archer by taking that which he holds dearest - family and friends.

But there is another force within the Dream who seems to have sided with Archer and the Dreamtreaders. Can the Windmaiden help them stop the Scath and prevent a new Nightmare Lord from taking the throne?

Search for the Shadow Key is an excellent follow-up to Dreamtreaders. Wayne Thomas Batson doesn't disappoint as he further explores dreaming in an epic and entrancing series that tweens and teens will love reading and sharing. Fantasy fans too will delight in a series that captures their imagination from cover to cover. Woven throughout are subtle messages about the importance of withstanding temptations even though such a choice can be difficult. Another aspect is family and the importance it plays in each individual's life and what we will do to protect it.

In my opinion there is only one drawback and that is that I now have to wait for the concluding book in this trilogy.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

[(Jen) The Artist Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 & 1/2 stars.

Wayne Thomas Batson burst onto the publishing scene ten years ago with a "Narnia-esque" novel, The Door Within and quickly established himself as one of the top Christian Speculative authors for middle grade fiction. While I don't think this is his best work (in my opinion, that goes to his Pirate Adventures books), Search for the Shadow Key is a fast paced, contemporary fantasy ideal for reluctant readers.

The primary reason I categorize this novel as being for middle grade reluctant readers are the chapter lengths. Similar to Jennifer A. Nielsen's Ascendance trilogy, each chapter is no longer than ten pages. Much like the Ascendance trilogy and other general market novels aimed at reluctant readers, the story is tight, fast paced, and has lots of action.

Because of the quickened pace and shorter chapters, I felt that Batson's character development was a bit weaker compared to some of his previous work. I personally struggled to connect to characters because none of them really stood out to me. It seemed like I got to know the characters and their motivations at a basic level, receiving depth when only relevant to the plot or story. However, this could be because I am not in this novel's target group. Despite this, Archer is a likable protagonist. He has faults and struggles like any 15-year-old boy and I loved his relationship with his siblings (I'm a sucker for older brother characters).

With an intriguing premise and solid world-building, young readers might enjoy this novel with allusions to spiritual warfare and a subtle faith-based thread/worldview. Just be prepared, this is the second title in a trilogy, so the conclusion will be something to look forward to!

Content notes: Typical fantasy violence --some scenes are kind of intense when you think about what's happening, but since most of it happened in the "dream world" I give it a pass, but it did give me pause.

[Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley for review purposes.]

[M.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been several months since Archer Keaton destroyed the Nightmare Lord, and now it seems that nightmares have come to an end in the Waking World. In the Dream, however, things aren’t so simple. Breaches are multiplying, and the Dream is moving ever closer to a Rift. On top of that, Archer’s nemesis, Rigby Thames, has released the Scath on the Waking World; their goal is to make life miserable for Archer. When strange things begin happening to Archer’s friends and family, he is forced to make difficult choices, all of which may determine the fate of the world...
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was more interesting than the first one, and I liked the character development. Archer is one of my favorite characters now, which is unusual for me; ordinarily, I prefer the side cast to the main star. I loved seeing him interact with his friends and family, and it was good to see hi grow a bit. The story itself was very interesting and kept me guessing the whole way through. There was even a plot twist at the end that I never saw coming... and it has the potential to change everything.
That being said, I do have a few complaints. As with the first book, there were some situations that were never fully explained. There also seemed to be a few loose ends; but, as there is still another book in the series, hopefully those will be tied up there. I will also comment that I found the book to be a bit scarier than the first; younger readers probably wouldn’t enjoy it very much, and I don’t recommend reading it at night.
Despite its (very minor) shortcomings, I really did like this book. It had an excellent message, and it’s a very exciting adventure for anyone twelve and up. I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion!

[Just Commonly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, you already know that I liked this book. One can even say eventually I might come to love it. Why, you ask? Let me let you in on a little secret. When I first read The Hunger Games, I was confused, but I enjoyed it. Did I love it? No. Do I love it now. Many times over, YES. It took the second time I read the book, for me to fully appreciate and LOVE it. The Dreamtreaders series is just that. I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it by the time I re-read the series. Like The Hunger Games, The Dreamtreaders, Book 1 of the series took a little more to get into. There were some confusion in technicality and dreams. It's so ethereal that it took some time, but ultimately and followed through and became so absorb in it. Luckily, I had Book 2, Search for the Shadow Key readily available to continue on. Since I understood the basics already, I was able to immerse my mind throughout the sequence of events in book 2. O, was I glad that Book 2, Search for the Shadow Key doesn't require me to get into the mode and re-learn all I got from Book 1! I was able to get right into the action and LOVED it! There's action, adventure, twists and of course drama between the characters! A sequel that works! Woohoo!

NOTE: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Search for the Shadow Key is the follow up to last year's hit Dreamtreaders. Just like the first book it is a fast-paced fantasy that is sure to capture the attention of teens and tweens alike. While it is a fantasy type of book it has a very practical message that should strike a cord with the youth in the real world.

If your son or daughter has ever been in a situation where they faced temptation and had to make a decision that would perhaps have uncomfortable results then they will surely relate to the story of Archer Keaton. I liked how honestly the author portrayed the traps that teens can find themselves in. Another aspect of the story that I appreciated was the element of strong family ties. Archer's family isn't perfect but they love each other and support each other. That is a very needed message in this day and age.

I have to admit that fantasy books are not on the top of my desired reading, but this series is so well written that I couldn't help but enjoy it. If you have a child that loves action and adventure stories I think they will enjoy this one. This is book two in the series and in my opinion I think it is important that you read book one first to get the complete story.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I really enjoyed this book. What a great message for our young people. The author has written a book that I believe will capture the imagination and heart of many young readers…even us older ones.

This book had me hooked from the first page with Archer working at keeping the Dream and the real world from colliding. Archer is a typical fifteen-year-old boy, kind of. He deals with liking a girl that doesn’t like him yet he also has this great responsibility as a Dreamtreader that most kids don’t have to deal with.

I enjoyed his interaction with his siblings as well. Kaylie, his little sister captured my heart, what a precocious little girl.

The messages of resisting temptation and learning to discern truth and make wise choices are so important in this book.

If you or your child enjoys fantasy but you would like them to turn more toward a Christian perspective this is a must read.

I did not read the first book in this series but Wayne did a great job of weaving in the previous book so I didn’t feel lost. However, he did make me want to read the first book because this one was so good.


A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

With an allegorical struggle between right and wrong and mysteries around every corner, Batson has created another fun, engaging fantasy novel. The messages and duties carried by the Dreamtreaders is something every person is called to and this novel gives it life with Archer's work in the Dream. Rigby's greed mixed with his desire to save someone he loves, gives the character a sympathetic feel even for all the evil and greed he enacts. The story struggles between Archer's family and his job as a Dreamtreader as he works between these two worlds. While the dream sequences were fun, I found them a bit confusing because of a lack of description. The real world didn't have that problem where I could imagine it clearly (not sure if this is because I can picture the real world easier because I live in it and could fill in the blanks or if it was just described more) but I couldn't seem to form a picture of the Dream. Then again, I haven't read the first book yet (yes, that was stupid of me and no don't follow my example) but I want to. I look forward to book 1 and seeing what happens in book 3, how it all comes together and reveals its message in its story.

[Liz Cleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Search for the Shadow Key by Wayne Thomas Bratson was on my TBR for this month. It Starts out with the main character, Anchor, who just so happens to be a Dreamtreader! At first I was really confused because this book does jump from dreamland to reality. In between these realms it has laws and creeds characters must abide by. Luckily half way through the novel it starts to pick up because you are thus familiar with the two worlds and things start to make sense. As Anchor mends the dream world you see a rippling effect his mates have created as they selfishly pull shareholders into the dream world. For a price you can experience dreams. Wouldn't you like to enter your dreams knowing you are dreaming and have the ability to manipulate them? But like every young, driven, business person greed and money take president over the safety of this world. Forcing Anchor to protect/defend the Dream world and reality as they know it. Will he succeed?
I would suggest this read to both young adults and adult readers. It does not have any real strong romantic relationships and is fairly safe on action and violence.

[Bethany Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO awesome.

This book takes place about a year after the first book I think. I enjoyed this book more than the first book. This one I had a hard time putting down.

I love Archer and how dedicated he is to protecting the dream and the dreams of all people. How he tries to stop any plans that might disrupt the dream.

I loved most of the characters but there were some I disliked until we get to the end where we learn something about one of them and kinda makes it hard to believe that they were the mistermind behind somethings that happen.

There were a lot of things that surprised me in this book and cant wait for the next book.

[Melia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book far more than the first! Nick is a bit of an Aussie stereotype, which annoyed me a bit, but he’s a funny character, so I let that slide. The pace is a slow for me, and I really don’t like the character of Kaylie. She’s annoying and unrealistic. I love Ridby as the Villian, and thoroughly enjoyed the majority of the second half. I think the Scath are interesting, and enjoyed hearing more about the Dreamscape and it’s history. I give this 3.8 stars 🙃
Good and interesting story aimed for tweens!

[R.M. Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good follow-up to "Dreamtreaders", the stakes are higher than ever. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed "Dreamtreaders". You might be able to hop into the series with this book, but I'd recommend reading them in order. (Like Christian Fantasy and Sci-fi? Check out full length reviews at my blog, thebookhoundchristianspecfic.blogspot.com).

[Annie Kaye · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to say, the first book was much better. In this one, the pace was slow and a lot of unnecessary things were described. I got bored half way through. So I did the worst.


I skimmed.


For the very first time. Its probably because of the fact that as I'm writing this, I'm in a reading slump. But I had to finish this book. So yeah. That's all I have to say.